Jan 25 - Antelope Island (South End Trail)

I'm heading back to Antelope Island to walk the South End Trail in hopes of seeing big herds of Pronghorn. The guide from yesterday said that was, at times, possible. Hopefully, I'll get lucky.

Its supposed to be a sunny day (they said that yesterday too) and near 50 - I'm sure it will be a little cooler on the island as it usually is. And a sunny day is needed; the South End Trail is 5 miles down the east side of the island to the southern tip - called Unicorn Point (and then its the walk back - 10 miles total). So its a long day in uncharted waters for me as I've never taken this trail before.

It is sunny this morning and as I cross the causeway, 2 of those bird of prey are flying.

As I start heading down towards the Ranch, there are 2 bison laying and watching the cars go by.

The bison herds are again far away close to the mountains. I see 2 larger herds.

I start the trail around 11am. Hoping to get to island tip by 1pm but that will depend if there are any hills to climb -- I'm thinking it'll be pretty flat.

And I'm correct. The trail follows an old dirt road down the coast. Look east and there's Farmington Bay (more mud flats than water) and to the west, mountains. In between, sagebrush, several natural springs (this is where most of trees are -- and the birds; lots of birds singing. They must think its Spring but unfortunately, its only the end of January.)

Going thru one of the tree'd areas, I spot a coyote crossing the road heading west. He spots me, pauses and continues trotting along. I look to the east and see the other part of the pair. She's much more cautious and it takes her awhile to cross the road. In fact, the mate is a good 200-300 yards away before she crosses.

Once she does, I watch for a while and then continue on and let them enjoy their wide open space.

I see hoof prints (antelope or deer) in the dirt along with horse and bison. Not a lot of fresh bison scat around --- it's been a while since they been down this direction.

I pass one really large "wetland" -- definitely a spring here.

It's about here when I have to step off the trail for a car. Not sure why there is a car coming; the road closed. But they stop -- trail patrol; they're taking the easy way down to the island tip. :)

Lots of little birds flying -- no other animals though.

I kinda think the landscape is a little creepy with the leaf-less trees -- pretty but creepy.

I know I've been walking for over an hour --- I've got to be getting close (and running out of time to find some Pronghorn). That would be bummer.

I stop at an icy puddle for a look, when I look up in the distance - Pronghorn!!! They are far in the distance climbing up a mountain. I count around 19 of them. They are spooked. Some run for a bit while other are grazing and walking. They are looking my way.

I take a seat on the ground to watch. Some of them have horns and others do not (only 40% of females have horns). Up, up they go to a peak called Molly's Nipple.

I continue down the trail. Not much water around here.

I can see the old southern causeway which was used to haul material when I-80 to Nevada was being built. Unused now.

I finally make it to the southern tip. Lots of wetland vegetation.

Very hazy but I can still see the mountains to the south (barely).

The trail curves to the southwest tip. I find the trail patrol car here but no people.

I find a good rock and have lunch. Nice view up the west side of the island from here.

Before I leave, I go to look at some of the rocks. They are metamorphic rocks called Gneiss -- they are 1.7 billion years old.

Time to head back.

I spot a bird of prey flying. (I think it's a Cooper's Hawk.)

I get to the spot where I saw the Pronghorn earlier. I notice a curved form on the mountain -- it would be a strangely shaped rock -- and take a look. It's the Pronghorns. They are on a terrace -- most are laying down but one is standing (the odd shape). I can only see little heads looking down on me.

It's a long way back. The trail patrol car comes along and I talk to them. They were hiking up the west side -- saw some Bighorn Sheep. They offer me a ride back -- it's only about 2 miles so I decline. (I really should've taken the ride - blisters!)

But I make it back -- I didn't see 100 pronghorn but 19 are better than nothing.

Good day!

Jan 24 - Antelope Island (Bald Eagle Viewing...I hope)

Heading to Antelope Island today with hopes of seeing some Bald Eagles at a place called Mushroom Springs. The Springs is off the Sentry Trail and I think its one of the spur trails that no one is supposed to walk on. But today I'll find out.

I arrive later than normal (around 11:45am) since the guided tour starts a 1pm. It's supposed to be mostly sunny today (and it is right now) but there are lots of clouds moving in from the Northwest. (It's going to be chillier if there's no sun).

Crossing the causeway didn't look very frosty like last week. The warmer temps have caused most of the remaining snow to melt. However, when I finally get to the stretch of ice-covered Farmington Bay water -- well, it looked like winter.

Since I had time to kill I went around the northern part of the island first and then down the west side past the Visitor's Center and the beach. No animals. I turned and went thru the Bridger Bay campground, no animals. By then it was time to start heading over to the east side and down to the Ranch (where the tour starts).

Scanning for animals along the way and it wasn't until I was past Frary Peak before I saw my 1st herd of bison against the mountains. I am not surprised at the lack of animals 1) it is later in the day than I'm normally here 2) they just rounded up and captured around 100 mule deer this week to relocate to other areas in Utah (herd management) -- I would think that all that activity will freak the animals out just a bit.

There's another bison herd (far way) just before getting to the ranch. And I can see another herd not far from the Sentry Trail. I get to the Ranch and wait in the warmth of my car until its closer to 1pm. It's totally cloudy now -- thanks Mr Weatherman for an accurate forecast. :)

It's about time so I head to the DNR office to wait. The DNR guide for day is the curator and historian for the park.He tells us that there have been some Bald Eagle sightings but not in large numbers. And with the weather this winter being weird and not really cold enough to force the Eagles down from Idaho, no guarantees (that's really true anytime animals are involved).

So we're off with about 20-30 people. I learned a lot from the guide today:
1) Pronghorn were residents on the island before man made the island into both cattle and sheep ranches - the pronghorn were hunted to extinction by the settlers. Pronghorn were re-introduced successfully in 1993. A herd of around 200 exist on the island.
2) Bison were introduced on the island in 1893 quite successfully. The herd is around 500 with the annual Bison round-up and sale maintaining the herd size. This year during the roundup, they rounded up all the bison (usually they don't mess with the old solitary males) but they wanted to see if the herd were genetically pure bison. And they are!!! (And one of those old males weigh-in at 2000 pounds!)
3) Many of the deer and coyote come to the island from the mainland. He said some cross the causeway and others, the mud flats to get to the island. So deer management helps both the island and the mainland. (I would think the island's deer population must have increased a lot of the last 10 years of so as more and more housing developments popped up along the east shore of Farmington Bay driving the deer across -- but that's only my speculation.)
4) The almost terraced landscape on the south side of the Sentry Trail (the north side is flat) was caused by the excavation of dirt from the island for the Hwy 80 extension to the Nevada border in 1976-77. During that time, a 15 mile conveyor belt carried the dirt south for the new highway. The island was privately owned at that time and Indian (and homesteader) artifacts were lost in the process.
5) That I pass Mushroom Springs every time I walked the Sentry Trail - it's where I saw the Yuma Skipper in late summer.  Duh!!
6) .....
The man was a wealth of information to say the least.

As we walked up the Sentry Trail, we could see that there was a herd of bison nearby but couldn't tell if there were eagles. But as we got closer, no eagles. Kinda disappointing but wildlife are never predictable -- but I know where to find them now. The guide said this was the first time in 10yrs that he didn't see one on the tour --- always nice to be part of the first! :)

The bison were far enough away to not be a threat but many of them were looking at us as we approached. We waited around listening to some great stories about the island, the animals etc. And then people started heading back little by little (including myself).

When I got back to the Ranch, I had to go find the Owls. Heard they were in a different location (and they should be nesting really soon - Feb). I did find them. Found the male first and the female was one tree over. Both in trees overlooking the little water hole.

Time to head back. Maybe I'll see some animals on the way back.

I spot some white moving thru the sagebrush and stop for a look. Yep, 4-5 pronghorns!!! A little hard to see (and somewhat far away) - but their white butts and orange/tan color stick out among the sagebrush.

One had some odd antlers. The horn usually comes up straight and curves back (like and upside down J) but this antelope's horns were shaped like an S. The antelope are slowly grazing towards the road but it will take them quite awhile to get there so after watching for a while, I move on.

Next I find a coyote moving through the grasses. The same spot I saw the skiddish coyote last week. We stare at each other for a while and then he starts moving north.

I move my car up ahead of him and wait. He finally starts trotting north (more into my view) and then a car goes by. The coyote gets frightened and runs into the tall grasses out of sight. (Still think he's a young one not familiar with cars and people.)

Keep moving down the island and see 2 black masses in the trees. I saw one last week - thought it might be a porcupine but didn't back up to see. Today, I stop, backup, and look through my camera -- porcupine!!!!!

He's eating. Very cute with his mouth and hands moving. (I hope I get a good shot, I'm on super-zoom.) I watch him for a bit and then backup some more to check out the other black mass only a couple trees away. It's another porcupine!!! Can't believe I've seen 2 in one day!! Wonder if they are a couple.

I'm on the last leg before I reach the causeway and notice a bunch of cars pulled over. There's a herd of mule deer (about 15) behind the Visitor's Center. I stop to watch. I'm really surprised to see them - thought they'd all be hiding after the round-up. There are 2 buck - a 6-pointer and a 4-pointer.

They were happily feeding until some folks at the Visitor's Center decided to get too close and the deer moved off a little south. OK, you scared the deer, stop and watch but no, the people continued to try to get closer - continuing to move the deer herd. And one of them decided it was fun to run at the deer and made them run -- Grrrrrr!!!! The deer ran over the top of the ridge and out of sight. (And the people continued to walk after them -- I would have loved to have found a DNR guy to chase those idiots down.)

Anyway, what an amazing trip back! Even saw that bird of prey flying along the causeway -- definitely not a hawk -- thinking Kestrel (a lot of grey).

Great day as always!

Jan 16 - Antelope Island (White Rock Trail)

Heading to Antelope Island today. Not a great weather day (low 30s, cloudy w/ inversion) but I'm going anyway.

Arrive around 9:30 and quickly spot what looks like a pheasant on the Farmington Bay shoreline. Of course, I just catch a glimpse of it as I pass by so I back up and its gone :(  so I guess it has to be pheasant.

Looks pretty frosty out. Where's there's water in the Bay, its frozen. No birds of prey flying.

The sun is peeking out creating a nice cloud effect over the Bay.

Just before I get to the end of the causeway (and on island), I notice 2 coyotes on the western shoreline. I pull-off briefly to watch and decide if I go to the first pull-out around the corner I can see them better. So I drive around the corner and park.

The one coyote is still far away, the other is coming down the shoreline in my direction.

I lose him as the vegetation hides him but he's heading toward the causeway. I start my car, swing around and turn onto the causeway and park. (There's a truck who see the coyote and pulls off as well.

The coyote is coming right at the causeway (and my car)

and then turns right to go parallel to the causeway and I lose him. There's not much land between the causeway and the shoreline but the vegetation is hiding him. (There's is a good down the shoreline though.).

I give up and turn back around and park in the pull-out again so I can find the 2nd coyote. (The truck turns around and heads down the causeway trying to locate the 1st coyote.) I have my binocs and try to find the 1st coyote but nothing. Then I start searching for the 2nd coyote where I last saw him but nothing. I hear the truck pull up behind me and start hearing what sounds like a camera taking pictures. I ask the man if he sees the 2nd coyote, he's right below me walking towards the causeway.

Instead of following his partner, the 2nd coyote crosses the road and heads up towards the Visitor's Center. The truck follows. I follow for a few feet but can't see the coyote so I turn around and start my trip down towards the Ranch. (Love those coyotes - always fun to watch.)

Heading south for a few miles and when I round a corner, there's another coyote just starting to cross the road in front of me!! I brake, the coyote panics, turns around really fast and heads into the sagebrush. And disappears. Well that's 3 today and I haven't gone 5 miles!

I continue to head south. It would be really pretty out today if it wasn't foggy and cloudy. The mountains on the island have snow,

the Wasatch Mountains are covered in snow -- it's still an eerie pretty out.

Don't see much until after Frary Peak, there's a few bison crossing the road toward a larger herd a little in the distance. I stop to watch as they are so close. I love hearing them chew.

Lots of birds hanging out with the bison. A few bison are covered in birds. When the birds all decide to fly, it's pretty impressive.

Time to move on.

I see a car pulled off to the side (heading north). I'm looking for animal but see nothing. And the person in the car doesn't seem to be looking in any direction -- simply waving at me. So I continue towards the Ranch.

I see a few more small herds of bison before I get to the Ranch. Actually, quite a few bison visible today on the east side of the island.

Quick stop at the Ranch to find the Owls. Only find the female today.

Since the road to the Sentry Trail is closed, I'm heading to walk the White Rock Trail (assuming the road is now open).

On the way back, I slow down in the spot where I saw the car pulled-off. And surprise!! there's a coyote sitting under the tree looking at me. He must be a young, inexperienced with cars because when I stop, he gets nervous and starts walking around. Fortunately, he doesn't run; instead he starts sniffing around in the vegetation. I think there's something in there that he is eating because I can see him pulling and/or chewing at times. But the confusing thing is that whatever is there isn't in one spot. Maybe there is more than one treat, I'm not sure. I watch for a while before leaving him alone.

The bison have now all crossed the road and are doing what bison do.

Time to head over to the west side and the White Rock trailhead - which is open!!!

I see a couple of bison along way.

It's about 30 degrees/no sun --- I hope I'll stay warm. I start in my normal clockwise direction. There's a single bison ahead but far enough off the trail -- he still stares me down. There's also a group of about 6-7 bison further up, hope they're far enough off the trail too.

The trail is for the most part frozen mud but in spots there's a light dusting of snow still. And the snow yields bison, deer or pronghorn and coyote tracks (as well as human, horse and bicycle). I'm a bit cold and hoping I'll warm up with the climb. (Up, up I go.)

I'm coming up on that small herd bison. They are off the trail but not by much. I go off trail thru the snow to get more of a safe distance between them and I. They are all watching me (and I them). But I get by safely, make my way back to the trail and continue.

The snow is actually pretty interesting. Looks like frozen crystals - cool stuff!

Even the frozen puddles are interesting!

I finally get to the "top" overlooking the east side and White Rock valley/bay. Views are pretty hazy but I can see snowy mountains.

I'm on the downhill now -- still seeing deer/pronghorn & coyote tracks - and coyote scat.

No animals in the valley that I can see except a few bison near the trail below -- hope they don't include the same fiesty one I met last time I walked this trail. I hear some "woofs" - coyotes I assume. They are far away probably near White Rock Bay.

I get to the long stretch back to the trailhead and am keeping watch for those bison.

Better views of the mountains from down here.

I can't find those bison. I thought I saw them up top but maybe the haze was tricking me. I make my way up the last little hill (very little hill) and stop to look back. And there they are! The bison I saw from up top. Definitely off the trail and they are down the slope (I.e., not visible from the trail). I can see them now because of the short climb. Happy I'm not seeing things.

I can hear the "woofs" again -- definitely somewhere near the bison. But I don't see anything.

Time to get out of the cold!!

Another great day!!

Jan 9 = Solitude Nordic Center

We have an inversion in the valley and the air quality went from yellow to orange yesterday. I want to get out - and I want to pop my head above the fog and smog so I'm heading up into the mountains to the Nordic Center. It's my first time with the snowshoes this winter and this is a nice protected space free of avalanche worries.

I arrive around noon -- sunny, bright and a crisp 43 degrees. We haven't had new snow in about a week so the snow is ... well, crunchy. (from the thaw freeze cycles). Really don't need the snowshoes today but I brought them (and they will give me some traction on some of the slicker spots).

I start on the Yellow trail heading clockwise around Silver Lake. Just a few nordic skiers out on the track and I see only one other snowshoer -- a man with his small daughter asleep in his back carrier (the wonders of fresh air).

It's pretty quiet out. The snow, although old and crusty, still sparkles in the sunlight. The mountains look really pretty.

I thought there would be skiers but I see on a couple on the slopes ahead.

I work my way through the forest and around to the other side of the lake.

Then off on the orange trail through the summer cabin area. The cabins are definitely snowed in - probably 3+ ft on the ground but at least their roofs aren't very heavy with snow.

I get to the purple - pink trail split, I usually do purple but today I'm heading down the pink. Don't think I'll go all the way to the village -- maybe a bit much for my first trip. :)

Back in the thick woods now but there are finally sounds of bird life as I drop in elevation. Can't find them though. Strange calls, like a high pitched donkey calls (EEE-or). It's probably some woodpecker; they are sure noisy. I'm getting closer but still can't locate one.

I do locate an eaten food cache of probably a squirrel - lots of pine code scales with no seeds.

I'm getting a little cold so I decide it's time to turn around and start back.

I find a curious impression in the snow

... just people having fun in the snowy woods :)

Those birds are still calling and I STILL can't find them. I do find 2 black-capped chickadees though.and a squirrel roaming around some pine trees.

And snow eggs with small pine trees inside.

I'm finally also back to the yellow trail when I find another eaten cache - not too hard to miss.

It was good to get into the snowy mountains (and breathe some clean air).

Good day.

January 2 - Antelope Island (Coyote Day!)

It's the first trip of the new year!! It's been really cold recently and only 16 degrees when I leave this morning; I'm prepared for a hike (my goal is White Rock Trail) but it needs to warm up a few degrees.

It's a great day though -- sunny with a clear  sky; but there's an inversion and it's only going to get worse as the days go by.

As I go through the gate, it looks a little like the arctic. The temperatures are cold and there's snow everywhere -- very white, very frozen. What a change since the 24th - the snow on the 28th followed by over a day of 70 mph wind gusts had a huge effect!

As I cross I spot the bird of prey again. He's flying parallel to my car. I try to get ahead of him so I can stop and get photo but he flies over Farmington Bay.  A few miles further, he lands on the lake -- far way. Actually there are 3 birds, perhaps there's something on the ice -- hard to make out whether they're all birds of prey or there's a crow or raven in there.

I turn to head to the Ranch - it's 17 degrees I'm just homing it warms up before I hit the trail.

The road is icy/snow packed in spots --- must've been from the drifting caused by the strong winds. Careful driving today.

I don't see any animals - in fact I can barely see the mountains to the east due to the haze. I roll up on the first mountain and see something moving through the grass at the mountain base. It's a coyote! He goes straight for a while and then zags back. At one point, I see him bury his nose into the snow - must be hunting. And he is slowing heading uphill. I watch for a while and when I look up, I've attracted 2 other cars and they are either watching the coyote or trying to figure out what I'm watching. Time to head on.

I continue to drive scanning around when a coyote trotting along lake shore catches my eye. He's moving north. And there's another coyote too!! They must be a male/female pair. Both moving north.

I back my car down the road to keep watching. (There's a truck behind me that does the same.) Not sure where they're going but they're going with a purpose. Maybe I'll see them again on my way back.

I'm almost at the Ranch when I see my first bison herd. They're near the lake -- maybe 20 of them. These must be the hardy ones to brave the winds the other day. I wonder if the others are smartly hiding on the west side of the island.

The dirt road to the Sentry Trailhead is now gated. Makes it a little longer hike now if I decide to go.

I stop at the Ranch to see I can find some deer or the Great Horned Owl pair. I saw the owls last year tucked away in a large tree. As I head to the walk to the wooded area, I see yet another coyote trotting on the lakeshore behind the Ranch. (That makes 4 today!!)

I head as far as I can down to the lake - until I get stopped by the fence. The coyote was heading north but stops at a little bunch of tall grass. He appears to be hunting. But I soon lose him in the grasses. Definitely a busy day for the coyotes.

I head back to the wooded area. Lots of birds moving around in here -- and they are robins.

I count at least 12. Hardy little guys. Several are hanging out by an open water hole; all having a drink.

I head to "the owl tree" and I find one. I can see only his/her back. I look around and spot a larger one (the female) again with her back to me. I swing around the tree trying to get a better view -- always branches in the way. But I do find a half-way decent spot to see her face. Her eyes are closed basking in the sun.

Several more people come and a lady has found the best spot to see the female (no branches). The owl appears to be looking down on us. Pretty cool!

Never could get a good front look at the male though.

Time to head back, like the coyotes, northward.

The coyote behind the ranch, can't find him.

The bison, still there - haven't moved.

The male/female coyotes, surprisedly, they're still around! Down by the lakeshore, I see one the coyotes. The other one takes me awhile to find but he's a little east in some grass and brush. It's a beautiful winter shot.

The nearer coyote is standing looking south and then looking back for his/her partner. He/she finally lays down in the snow.

The one in the grasses starts trotting south leaving the companion behind. The lead one heads into another grassy area.

Not to be left behind, the other gets up and start trotting trying to catch up. They meet up. They greet, and it looks like the one does some scent marking. Then I see him/her "wipe their feet" and then they both trot off southward.

It's still only 18 degrees out. Thinking about just heading up Buffalo Point (it's a short hike) so I head to the west side. Still no animals. Both the road to Buffalo Point and White Rock are closed due to road conditions.

As I round a curve in the road, a jackrabbit runs across -- their ears are so big!

I finally stop at the Lady Finger Trail and figure its time to get out of the car. The trail is only 1/4 mile (one way) through some rocks. At the end, you can see Egg Island which is a Gull rookery in the Spring. Definitely, some good views out.

And a rabbit hopping around. But I never make it to the end. The footprints split in one spot. I followed both to dead-ends - too snowy to find the trail.

I head to the causeway but make one last pit stop for a view east.

I spot the bird of prey again soaring in the sky.

I make last stop on the causeway to check out the ducks. The open water is small but there are ducks on both the Farmington Bay and Salt Lake sides. (Much more on the Farmington Bay side.) Looks like mostly Common Goldeye and Northern Shovelers.

(I also hear a coyote howling in the distance.)

On the Salt Lake side, the ducks are having a little fun by riding the flow of water out into the lake.

Time to go home - great day! Great start to the new year!